Abu Dhabi: 20 weddings, 1,000 rituals as BAPS Hindu temple marks first anniversary

Abu Dhabi: Since its grand inauguration last year, which coincided with Valentine’s Day, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has become a vibrant hub for spiritual and cultural activities.

To date, the temple has hosted 20 weddings, more than 35 community events, and about 1,000 Hindu rituals, a spokesperson told Gulf News.

On February 14, 2024, the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the region opened its doors with a magnificent ‘Festival of Harmony.’ Since then, visitors have flocked to see this architectural masterpiece, which was meticulously crafted with hand-carved sculptures depicting 250 value tales from various ancient civilisations, including Indian, Arabian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and others. These captivating sculptures celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage, portraying major stories from Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as other scriptures.

“The temple’s grandeur and beautifully designed interiors provide an ideal setting for sacred occasions such as weddings and other religious ceremonies,” the spokesperson said.

Weddings

“Around 20 weddings have already been celebrated at the Mandir.”

These weddings are marked by traditional celebrations, including the playing of drums and family participation in dance and music, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.

“These weddings at the temple are deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, offering couples a meaningful and spiritual environment for their vows,” the spokesperson noted.

In addition to weddings, the temple has hosted more than 1,000 religious rituals, including prayers, festivals, and spiritual ceremonies.

Interfaith dialogue

The temple has played a pivotal role in promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering community integration. In January, it welcomed Defence Attaches from more than 20 embassies for a unique celebration of ‘Unity, Diversity, and Harmony.’

“The Mandir is much more than a place of worship. It stands as a symbol of unity and cultural exchange,” the spokesperson said, adding that as the temple enters its second year, it is expected to host even more weddings, rituals, and cultural events, further solidifying its status as a “spiritual oasis for global harmony.”